🔗 Share this article Shock as Orbán Allies Acquire Hungary's Leading Newspaper Media professionals at the country's most popular newspaper have shown disbelief after a media group seen as close to nationalist prime minister Viktor Orbán's party, Fidesz, bought the tabloid from its former Swiss owners. Timing of Purchase The purchase, which occurs while Hungary gears up for crucial elections next year, is widely seen as another move to increase government influence on the news outlets. A pro-Orbán media company, Indamedia, stated on Friday it had acquired a group of Hungarian titles, including the fashion publication and Blikk, a widely-read tabloid whose digital edition reaches about three million online readers monthly. Management Changes Blikk's outgoing editor-in-chief, Ivan Zolt Nagy, stated on Monday that he and a top executive were exiting in "common understanding" with the new owner. Their recruitment occurred seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "focusing not on sensationalism but on engaging content" and to be "more public-oriented, covering politics, economic matters, and culture," he stated on social media. Staff Responses Workers from Blikk expressed being shocked. "I came close to a cardiac episode when I learned about the declaration," remarked one correspondent, who asked to stay unidentified. "Personally, this is morally unacceptable." Blikk has announced a fresh chief editor, Baláz Kolossváry. Media Landscape Issues Several media professionals who have chosen to remain acknowledge feeling in a difficult position as there are not many other outlets available where they could apply. Throughout the previous 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive government-supporting news ecosystem to strengthen his public perception and polls. Political Context While important publication acquisitions have typically occurred either following voting or during a calm political phase, the acquisition of Ringier Hungary happens under six months ahead of April's national vote. Blikk was viewed as a main goal for Orbán and his political organization at a time when opinion research are suggesting that they have a serious opponent for the premier instance in over a decade. Opposition Response The political challenger, Péter Magyar, whose Tisza political group is campaigning on commitments to root out entrenched dishonesty, has been vocal about Orbán's "media machine" and the damage he claims it has done to Hungary's democracy. He has criticised the Ringier Hungary acquisition, saying it represents another attempt by Orbán to solidify his influence over Hungary's media outlets. Publication's Importance While Blikk is a daily publication, renowned for its gossip column and over-the-top headlines, in the past few years it has also featured numerous articles on possible misconduct. "This newspaper stands as by far the most read daily newspaper in Hungary, a sector dominator," stated a press expert. "The web version has become unexpectedly successful in recent years, becoming the fourth most read digital platform in Hungary. If propaganda features in such highly popular and mainstream outlets, it will have an impact on the citizenry." Global Context For over a decade, Hungary has served as a example for other "authoritarian-leaning governments" globally. Former American officials and their supporters have long praised Orbán's Hungary even as it declines in press freedom rankings. In 2022, Orbán told a gathering of US conservatives that the path to power required "owning press organizations." Historical Media Regulation In 2010, Orbán's government approved a law that asserted official oversight over the primary press oversight body and put the state broadcaster in the management of loyalists. Ownership Details Indamedia is 50% owned by Mikló Vaszily, a pro-government businessman who is also CEO of a government-friendly television station. In a declaration, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, stated: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the company is acquiring a profitable publication group of equivalent magnitude to Indamedia, with established industry presence and successful brands that play a defining role in the Hungarian media landscape." Ringier said in a release that its choice to divest was "motivated entirely by strategic economic considerations and our focus on our core digital activities in Hungary." A official representative was sought for statement.